Rocket From Manhattan by Arch Oboler’s Plays

Summary

Relic Radio Sci-Fi Episode Summary: "Rocket From Manhattan" by Arch Oboler’s Plays

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Podcast: Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Rocket From Manhattan
Playwright: Arch Oboler

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Introduction

"Rocket From Manhattan," a gripping episode from Relic Radio Sci-Fi's collection, transports listeners to a dystopian future where humanity grapples with the devastating consequences of atomic warfare. Originally broadcasted by the Mutual Broadcasting System and penned by renowned radio playwright Arch Oboler, this 25-minute play delves deep into themes of war, legacy, and the unforeseen repercussions of scientific advancements.

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Setting the Stage

The narrative unfolds aboard a high-speed rocket returning triumphantly from the moon, slated to complete its first manned lunar mission in the year 2000. The protagonists, Dr. Chamberlain and Major Russell Reynolds, navigate the complexities of space travel while confronting haunting memories and escalating tensions.

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Character Dynamics and Background

• Dr. Chamberlain: An aging physicist, one of the original researchers from the atomic bomb project in 1945. His experiences have left him a realist, burdened by the ethical implications of atomic power.

• Major Russell Reynolds: A 60-year-old army veteran, embodying youthful optimism and idealism. His longing for adventure and meaningful accomplishment drives much of the play's tension.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Chamberlain (00:25): "Foreign."

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Plot Overview

The rocket, named Manhattan, embarks on its journey back to Earth after a successful lunar expedition. Initial interactions between Dr. Chamberlain and Major Reynolds reflect contrasting perspectives—Chamberlain's cautious realism versus Reynolds' buoyant enthusiasm.

As the rocket approaches Earth, a series of unexpected events unfold:

1. Communication Breakdown: The crew loses radio contact with Earth, leading to growing anxiety aboard the ship. Dr. Chamberlain remains composed, emphasizing the technical stability of their return trajectory, while Reynolds becomes increasingly restless and concerned.

   Quote:

   Major Russell Reynolds (03:16): "We have no time to discuss our emotions. There's work to be done."

2. Revelations and Conflicts: Dr. Chamberlain reveals a profound and unsettling theory about the moon's history, drawing parallels between the moon's craters and the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in New Mexico. This revelation hints at a catastrophic cycle of atomic warfare that transcends Earth.

   Quote:

   Dr. Chamberlain (05:58): "The crater our bomb had left on the Earth was the same as the craters on The Moon."

3. Imminent Threat: As they near Earth, mysterious explosions are detected—projectiles targeting the rocket without any identifiable origin. The crew grapples with confusion and fear, debating the source and intent behind the attacks.

   Quote:

   Major Russell Reynolds (17:14): "It was war. Blasting the United States off the face of the earth."

4. Climactic Confrontation: The escalating barrage culminates in a catastrophic chain reaction, leaving the rocket with no viable escape. Dr. Chamberlain confronts the grim reality that humanity's past actions have doomed their future, emphasizing the cyclical nature of destruction.

   Quote:

   Dr. Chamberlain (22:00): "We have lost forever."

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Key Themes and Insights

1. The Cycle of Destruction: The play underscores the repetitive nature of human conflict, suggesting that without learning from past atrocities, society is doomed to repeat them. Dr. Chamberlain's revelation about the moon's history serves as a metaphor for humanity's inability to break free from its destructive tendencies.

   Quote:

   Dr. Chamberlain (22:00): "We've lost forever."

2. Ethical Implications of Scientific Advancement: The narrative delves into the moral responsibilities of scientists and military personnel in wielding powerful technologies. The atomic age's legacy looms large, casting a shadow over the characters' lives and choices.

   Quote:

   Dr. Chamberlain (12:23): "It's a memory of another crater I had seen 55 years before in New Mexico from an observation plane high over the ground."

3. Isolation and Despair: The isolation of space amplifies the characters' internal struggles, highlighting themes of loneliness, regret, and the burden of knowledge. Dr. Chamberlain's introspection contrasts sharply with Reynolds' external expressions of hope and fear.

   Quote:

   Dr. Chamberlain (21:45): "We hung the criminals 55 years ago. And as soon as their body stopped swinging, we left the crowd and each went back to his own house and shut the door."

4. Hope versus Realism: Major Reynolds embodies hope and the belief in positive outcomes, while Dr. Chamberlain remains grounded in a more pessimistic view of humanity's trajectory. This dichotomy drives much of the play's emotional tension.

   Quote:

   Major Russell Reynolds (07:45): "There's no reason for depression, is there?"

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Conclusion

"Rocket From Manhattan" serves as a poignant reflection on humanity's relationship with technology and war. Through the harrowing journey of its protagonists, the play invites listeners to ponder the long-term consequences of their actions and the fragile nature of peace. Arch Oboler masterfully intertwines personal conflict with broader societal concerns, creating a narrative that resonates with timeless relevance.

Final Quote:

Dr. Chamberlain (25:04): "I couldn't answer that... Because we had agreements with everyone. I don't even know who they are."

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Production Notes:

• Cast: Elliot Lewis, Lou Merrill, Irvin Lee
• Music: Composed and conducted by Jack Meekin
• Sound Effects: Jack Snell and Bill James
• Engineer: Misha Peltz

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Stay tuned for the next enthralling episode, "The Family Nagashi," continuing the special series of plays by Arch Oboler, exclusively on RelicRadio.com.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Relic Radio. This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old Time Radio. Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

The.

[Announcer]

Mutual Broadcasting System has the pleasure of presenting the 23rd broadcast of a special series of plays by radio playwright Arch Ober. In this series, we hope to bring you dramas full of the excitement and the meaning of plays told in relation to the expanding world in which we live. Tonight's play, Rocket from Manhattan, will be introduced by Mr. Ogler.

[Narrator]

Prophecy is an easy thing, for rarely is the prophet brought to judgment. Tonight, I bring you a false prophecy. The place of our story is a great rocket speeding away from the moon. Yes, away for the first trip to the moon has finally taken place and a triumphant airship is now rapidly returning to the Mother Earth. Here then, is a story about a tomorrow 55 years hence, September 20th in the year of our Lord 2000, on board a rocket ship. A play that is, I sincerely hope, a very false prophecy.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Through the warfare we're having lots of fun the sky is sure the limit Our new century's begun we're floating on our plastic boats we're flying through the air the world is all our playground we haven't got a care oh, I'm glad to be alive, boys I'm glad to be alive I'm riding on a rocket train Soon I will arrive oh, I'm glad to be alive, boys I'm glad to be alive I'm riding on a rocket train and soon I will arrive hi, Doc. How about joining us?

[Narrator]

Yes, Doctor. Don't you think it's about time we had a little celebration?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

There's a great deal of work to be done.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Work's over, doctor. 24 hours more and we're back.

[Narrator]

Yes, Doctor, we'll be back. We've done it.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Complete in 24 hours.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

If you're worried about our landing. I'm not. You worried, Reynolds?

[Narrator]

No, sir. Everything's in perfect order.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Sure, Doc. There's going to be a round trip anyway. There's 24 hours before we have to worry about that.

[Narrator]

Yes, Doctor. It's a time for celebration.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Oh, I'm glad to be alive, boys.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I'm glad to be alive I'm riding on a rocket train and soon I will arrive Reynolds.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Major Reynolds. Are you men out of your minds? You, Major Russell Reynolds, is still a boy. But you're a mature man. Please act maturely. I'll grant you that our adventure has gone well.

[Narrator]

Well is right. We've been to the moon.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

My congratulations, Reynolds.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Major. Thank you. I put the medal on my other chest.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Will you men listen to me? We're 48,000 miles from the island and.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Headed right for it.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

We're not there yet, Doc.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Pardon the expression, but you're a gloomy Joe.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I am a realist, Doctor.

[Narrator]

The possibilities of anything going wrong are remote. Surely we're entitled to relax a little and relish the fact of what we've done.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Yeah, we've done it, Doc. Even if we never get back. We've done it. We've been to the moon, and it'll always be there on the books.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I'm not interested in becoming an historical fact, Major Russell. The data we've collected, that's my only interest. May I ask you and Reynolds to get back to your post?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Oh, but everything's going like clockwork. Look at the gauges.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

But we are out of radio contact with the earth.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir, but we are on course. Doc, what is wrong?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Wrong? What should be wrong?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

The kid's right, Doc. Ever since we made the circle and started back, all these days you've been acting as if we didn't make it. We've gone 243,000 miles and we're three quarters of the way back. And we're in, Doc. We're in. So what's the matter with you?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

How old were you, Major, when the Second World War ended?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

About five for a second.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

And you, Reynolds, you weren't even born.

[Narrator]

No, Sir.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I was 21 on that day in New Mexico when they set off the first chain reaction. 21, Doc.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

You mean to say you were in the beginning of it?

[Narrator]

Of course he was. Dr. Chamberlain was one of the original research men in the atomic bomb project back in 45. The only one of them alive today.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Well, what do you know? So that's why you wanted to make this trip, Doc. I mean, you.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes, Major. You wanted it as a substitution for what you missed as a boy. The excitement and glory of war. It's true. And Reynolds here is young and idealistic. The scientific wonder of it was what he wanted. And I. I was there at the birth of an era. Now atomic power is driving me into space. Back to the Earth where it all began. And I'm thinking, you're back. It's not pertinent to any of this. We have no time to discuss our emotions. There's work to be done. Sat airspeed, 23486.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Interior temperature, 68.2.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Interior temperature, 68.2.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

That's it?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Any radio contact rooms? No, sir. How about that, Doc?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Unfortunate, but not very vital. We're definitely on Course.

[Narrator]

How much longer will it be, Doc?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

10 hours at the most.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

10 hours in the middle of LaGuardia Field? That's where I'd like to land.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I hope not.

[Narrator]

Texas, isn't that it?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Sure, sure. We'll hit the flats right on the.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Nose if the auxiliary jets work.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

They worked on the moon, they'll work on landing. We're the good luck boys, Doc. We can't miss.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You have the optimism of a 16 year old, Reynolds. You'd better get back to your radio. Try phone contact.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Major, check the jet temperatures.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Right jet 1580.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Right jet 1580.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Left jet 1583.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Left jet 1583.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Speed 24, 832.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Speed 24832.

[Narrator]

XR1 calling CQ. XR1 calling CQ.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Hello, hello? Hello?

[Narrator]

XR1 calling CQ. XR1 calling CQ.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Hello?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Hello? Hello? Any luck?

[Narrator]

No, sir.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Put your transmitter back on automatic.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Why do you laugh, Major?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I was just thinking about how many millions of telescopes are turned in our direction.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What you said a few hours ago. I mean about my wanting excitement and adventure. That's true. You know, I'm 60 years old and I guess I just lived for this chance. The army hadn't okayed my going. Well, here I am. Once we land, I'll admit frankly, I'm gonna cash in on every bit of it and have myself a time. You know something? I get to feeling kind of depressed when I think it'll soon be over. Well, there's no reason for depression, is there?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I couldn't answer that.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Why not?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You've been wondering, undoubtedly. Why ever since we left the moon, I've been acting strangely.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

That's right.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I've never believed in predestination. And yet there's been sort of a motivation of faith in my life. At 21, I was part of that research team trying to adapt atomic power to military purposes. When that first bomb went off over the New Mexico desert, a newspaper man repeated the words, what hath God wrought? And no one quite knew. I've been waiting 55 years for the answer. I think I found it a few hours ago on the moon. And it's an answer full of Horro.

[Narrator]

The Major's sure sleeping.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes.

[Narrator]

It's only a few more hours, isn't it? Yes, but we have to put on our compression suits the way we did on the takeoff.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes, of course.

[Narrator]

Doctor, may. May I ask you something?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Before, you spoke of finding an answer.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

On the moon and.

[Narrator]

And then you didn't say anymore. Well, I'VE been thinking about it. I was wondering if it was something that the major couldn't understand. And that's why you didn't speak of it further.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

And now you want to know.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. I. I haven't lived anywhere as long as you two have. But my life has been built around atomic power. My dad, he was one of your men. Ever since I was a child becoming a physicist, like dad was, and you are, and Dr. Oppenheimer and all the rest. Why, that was it. Now all of a sudden, the way you spoke before. As if all our research has been criminal. Do you mean that collision? Radar, get at it.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What's the matter? What's better?

[Narrator]

Object approaching 15 degrees west.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

There it is. Meteorite. It's a meteorite.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

It.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Oh.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

That was the closest.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

It was indeed sardonic. Indeed. To collide with a meteorite at this point in our journey, I. I'd use.

[Narrator]

A stronger word than sardonic, Doctor.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Yeah, like fatal.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

It's all clear.

[Narrator]

Well, I. I better get back to.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

No, Reynolds. Reynolds, you asked me a question before, and I want to answer it. You too, Major Russell. I want you to hear this.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Sure.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Reynolds overheard what I said to you. That I'd found the answer to a very old question on the Moon. He said that he felt that somehow I thought all of the research on atomic power had been criminal. No, young man, I don't believe that. Not at all. Criminal to know more about a way of nature. No. The answer I found was something else. I hadn't even an answer. Perhaps only a theory. When we came within a hundred miles of the moon and then began to de. Accelerate. To turn back, what did we see through the observation ports?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Well, Doc, we saw.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

No, please. Let me tell you what I saw. The craters of the moon. Great, gigantic craters. And as we came closer and closer, the look of them was so familiar. Not because I had seen them through telescopes and in photographs, but for some reason that I couldn't quite understand. Craters of the moon. And suddenly, at the very moment when we'd come as close as we dared and our ship swung in an orbit to return, suddenly I knew it was a memory of another crater I had seen 55 years before in New Mexico from an observation plane high over the ground. A few hours after the first atomic bomb had lit the sky with a new sun. Yes, the crater in the crust of the Earth that bomb had left was the same as the craters of the moon. Do you understand? The crater our bomb had left on the Earth was the same as the craters on The Moon.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

So what? I don't get it.

[Narrator]

Yes, Doctor, what are you getting at? The crater in that desert was a thousandth of the size of the ones you're talking about.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I suddenly began to think, was it not possible that the moon had gone through the same evolutionary processes as our Earth? Before our Earth? Yes. Wasn't it possible that men had come into being on the Moon, developed their own civilization, had known scientific progress even as we have, but long before we Earth men had known it?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Say, Dark.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You do understand these men of the moon had discovered the secret of atomic power long before we did. And then had used it to blast and to tear each other. Yes. And the craters on the moon. That terrible devastation was the record of the destruction of their civilization. A final war which had burned up the very atmosphere and left the moon a dead planet circling endlessly through an airless sky.

[Narrator]

All right, Doctor, presuming your theory is correct, that. That the Moon men had started through a war. A chain atomic reaction that they couldn't stop.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Of what?

[Narrator]

Of it? It indicates that they were fools.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Yeah, that's it. Fools.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Are we any W.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Air speed two four eight two.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You'd better cut it down.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Right. How much?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

About 15%.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Right.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You get anything, Reynolds? No, sir. Would you come here a moment?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Will you help me with this pot covering?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Easy there.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

All right.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Time to take a look, huh? Yes, that's it.

[Narrator]

There she is.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Mama. Earth.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Reynolds, the cameras.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. How much should I run, doctor?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Put it on automatic exposure.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Six more hours, eh, doctor?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Or less.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Sure we haven't made a mistake and headed for Venus.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

What are you.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

That was just a bad joke, doc. Now, there's no two ways about it. The outline of the continents. We can't make any mistake about that being our home address. I wonder how much they can see of us. What are we, six, 7,000 miles out? You know, this reminds me of a time about 25 years ago. The army sent me up to a thousand miles to take observation photographs. We remember how the atomic reaction motors were then. We got up about 500ft.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Major.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What? What?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Look down. Look.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I don't see anything. Look, I tell you.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Reynolds, come here.

[Narrator]

What's the matter? Something wrong?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

The doctor says.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Reynolds, look. Do you see it?

[Narrator]

Yes. What is it?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I see it, too. Bright lights going on and off. What's going on down there, doctor?

[Narrator]

Are they signaling us? Are they signaling?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

It's 6,000 miles. Why? Why should they?

[Narrator]

That's right. There's no such plan.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Look at it. It is lights going on and off.

[Narrator]

But they're all from one area.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Can you make out where? North America.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Then they are signals. The candle in the window.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Your own question at 6,000 miles.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Wait a minute.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Are they explosions?

[Narrator]

Explosions? Major. Doctor, is that it?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Are they explosions? I don't know.

[Narrator]

Cq.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Cq. Hello? Hello? Hello?

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, Doctor. I can't raise anyone.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Doc. Doc, come here. Yes, but look, the closer we get, they are explosions.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Three more hours, we'll know.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I want to know now. Reynolds, what's the matter with you? Why can't you make radio contact?

[Narrator]

I'm doing everything I can.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Major.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Major. Doc, what are the critters? Look.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Craters.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Craters? At this altitude you couldn't foster each flash.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I do see them.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Okay, okay. What does it mean? What are you looking at me like that for? What does it mean?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Doctor?

[Narrator]

Major, something coming through. I can only hear it faintly.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What? What?

[Narrator]

Please, let me listen. United States.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

What?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Reynolds, what is it? Tell us.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

What?

[Narrator]

Boy, I. I couldn't quite make up. He said.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Said what?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Tell us.

[Narrator]

War, he said. War. Blasting the United States off the face of the earth. It's a joke, isn't it? Isn't?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What are they sending now? What now?

[Narrator]

It began an hour ago. No warning. Projectiles. Radio controlled. Point of origin unknown. Oh, it stopped again. The transmission.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Enough. Where's the international police force? What's being done about it? Doctor. Doctor, you hear? It was an attack without warning. Who could it be? What's the idea?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

The explosions are increasing in frequency. Reynolds.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Reynolds. Anything more coming through?

[Narrator]

No, nothing. Yes, yes, they started transmission again.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

All right, let's have it. Quick.

[Narrator]

Some station in Midwest. I can't get the call letters.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Who cares?

[Narrator]

He says it's hell. Ground shaking. No bombs landed near. But air reconnaissance. It's so gobbled I can hardly make out. Well, well, it started an hour ago. Everything burning. Oh, it stopped again. There's nothing.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Doctor. Doctor, in heaven's name, what do you think it's all about? Stop staring out of the window and talk to me.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

What are they doing?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What do you mean, what are they doing? They're bombing us. Blasting us. It's war. But who? I've got to find out, Reynolds. Find out who?

[Narrator]

It's no use. There's no transmission.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Doctor, those bombs, where are they coming from? Can't you tell by the trajectory?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

At this distance? And what difference does the face of the enemy make? At least it's happening. It's all smashed him.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I always said we should have smashed them, exterminated them. 50 years ago.

[Narrator]

They were so peaceful for so many years.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

And the flashes are increasing in frequency.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Reynolds, get on that radio.

[Narrator]

I'll try again.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I got to know who the devils. We had agreements with everyone. The International Devils. All of them call them devils. I don't even know who they are. Reynolds, you get anything?

[Narrator]

No. No, I don't, Doctor. Fast.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Down. Let's get down there faster. Let's open it up.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

And you know better than that. We're entering atmosphere. Increased speed. We'd burn up like a meteorite.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

But I'm an army man.

[Narrator]

All my life I've been coming through.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What? What?

[Narrator]

The bombs. Nothing can. I can hardly make it out.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Keep at it.

[Narrator]

Panic.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Paratroopers. Who?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Who?

[Narrator]

Last message from United States of.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

It's ended.

[Narrator]

There is no more.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

If we'd only get down there faster.

[Narrator]

Only 500 more miles.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Look at it down there. Our Air Force protective measures. What happened to them? What happened? Doctor? You. Why don't you say something? We'll just sit there for hours watching. This isn't a scientific experiment. Experiment going on down there. They're blasting us to pieces. Us?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Us.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Your atomic bomb. The great secret. Hold it over the world and have peace forever. You said that? Yes, you. I was a kid then. I heard you say it over the radio when they gave you a medal. Hold it over the world and have peace forever. What do you got to say now?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

We had a wonderful 55 years.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Everybody had a wonderful time.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Reynolds. What's the matter with him?

[Narrator]

He's gone. No, let him finish first.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

We hung the criminals 55 years ago. And as soon as their body stopped swinging, we left the crowd and each went back to his own house and shut the door.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

You said the peace would hold forever.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

I. I said it because I thought that when the secret was put away, the people of the world would remember the terror. I said to myself, now, surely now that they've seen the possibility of the disintegration of their earth, they'll be drawn together once again into the family of men as it must have been in the beginning. I forgot what years could do. I forgot how quickly forgetfulness comes. I forgot that in only a few years Hiroshima and Nagasaki would be only yesterday's sensations for a nation eager for sensations for today. You keep asking me who's sending those bombs against us? Who? I tell you, we're sending them against ourselves. Because had we made our way of life something more than a confused dream of shiny machines and happy endings, those bombs would not be flying at us. I said the Peace would hold forever. Because I thought, out of that war, at last, men had learned that there was no defense against hatred and revenge, but the defense of education for the unity of people. It was a race, gentlemen, against time. And we wasted our last 55 years running backwards on a track of chromium and plastics. And so we've lost forever.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

We've never lost.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Look. The blasts are increasing.

[Narrator]

Doctor, look.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

The color of the blast. Oh, dear God.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

What? What, Doctor?

[Narrator]

It's nitrogen, isn't it?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Nitrogen. What?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

The fools. The everlasting fools. I won the blast.

[Narrator]

More and more.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

They started something they couldn't end. The color of the blast. They've set off hydrogen atoms.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

I don't know what we used.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Uranium, plutonium. And when the initial blast was over, that was all but hydrogen. That's part of life. One reaction sets off the other. Like setting off an endless chain, until.

[Narrator]

Look.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Down there.

[Narrator]

Blast faster and faster.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

They're spreading the fools.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

And help. The fools.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

The sheet of flame around the earth. Doctor, tell me, what is it?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

It burned up all the atmosphere.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Burned up? Ralph, what does he mean?

[Narrator]

The chain reaction burned up all the air.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Oh.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Major.

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Major. The left. All right. It's all right. All right. Where are we going?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

There's no air, no life. The moon, The Earth. The same.

[Narrator]

How much fuel?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

There's the gauge.

[Narrator]

Two, three hours.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

Yes. Yes, I think that's right, isn't it, Major?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

What? What do we do?

[Dr. Chamberlain]

You ask that question now the Major no longer asks it. Do you know the answer, Major?

[Major Russell Reynolds]

Sure. We'll circle around. Then we'll crash.

[Dr. Chamberlain]

No. No. No. No. No. It'll be all right. My boy. My words again. Have peace forever.

[Announcer]

You have just heard Rocket from Manhattan, a new play by Art Ober. The cast included Elliot Lewis, Lou Merrill and Irvin Lee. The original music was composed and conducted by Jack Meekin. Sound Jack Snell and Bill James. Engineer Misha Peltz. Next week, we will bring you another new play by Mr. Ogler. It's titled the Family Nagashi. This will be the 24th in a special series of plays written, produced and directed for the Mutual Broadcasting System by Arch Ober.